Steve Wraith is delighted to see boxing’s big guns roll into town – but he hopes they learn to treat the region’s fighters with a bit more respect.

Heavyweight promoters Dennis Hobson and Frank Warren have hosted shows in the North East.

Wraith’s May 17 date at Gateshead Leisure Centre will not have the same glamour – but Wraith believes it is even more important.

He said: “I am quite adamant the small-hall shows have to be protected.

“Phil Jeffries’ shows in Sunderland, Mark Clauzel’s in Newcastle and mine in Gateshead are more important than anything at the Arena because ultimately that is where the young talent is coming through.

“The Arena show (Hobson put on last month) was a great show and it is fantastic to see two warriors like Martin Ward and Stuey Hall having a title shot.

“The most upsetting and annoying thing for me was Gary Reeve and Tommy Ward had to box behind closed doors because the Arena would not open the doors.

“Gary Reeve sold 70 tickets. As someone who likes to see young up-and-coming fighters in the area do well, I was disgusted. It showed complete disregard for local boxers and local coaches.”

He added: “Everybody should have the opportunity to box in front of somebody because it is an entertainment.

“Those 70 people who bought tickets from Gary will feel cheated and robbed. It will make it that bit more difficult for him as a fighter to get people to come and watch him.

“Tommy Ward is electrifying, he should never be fighting behind closed doors.

“I have been at the hard end of it when the opponent cannot get there until 9.30 or needs to be away by 7.30, but somebody somewhere has not done their job.

“There is a certain etiquette and respect at our level which is very much lacking at the higher level.

“I wish them well on June 7 (when Hall defends his world title against Paul Butler at Newcastle Arena) but we have to make sure we do our job properly.

“The way North East boxing’s developed over the last six months, I suppose, is reward for all the hard work Phil Jeffries in particular and Tommy Conroy have put in, not really Steve Wraith.

“They have spent the last few years – or decades in Tommy’s case – putting on some great shows. You finally have other people in other areas prepared to do that.

“When you see big promoters taking an interest in the North East you know you are doing your job properly as a small promoter.”

Although Wraith has had to bide his time for six months, he does not mind.

He said: “The telephone was invented years ago and that is what it’s all about. It is essentially about respecting other people’s calendars.

“We deliberately sat back after November 22 and had a period of reflection. We were not going to do another show just for the sake of it.

“We wanted to see how other promoters set about things.”

Robert Dixon fights namesake Tony for the British Masters bronze title, while Paul Archer faces South Shields’ George Watson for the Northern Area light-welterweight title.